One thing I have noticed from the past few months is that cycling has slowly become part of my lifestyle. It is no longer something I do only when I feel extra motivated or when I happen to have free time. It has become one of those habits that naturally fits into my week. Whenever I think of going out, exploring a new place, or simply unwinding after a long day, cycling is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
I think one of the reasons I have been enjoying it so much is because of music.
Listening to music while cycling feels so natural to me. When you are on the road, pedaling through familiar streets or passing by corners of the city you do not usually pay attention to, music becomes your companion. It fills the quiet moments and adds personality to the ride. In many ways, it shapes the entire experience. The songs I choose can change the mood of my cycling trip completely.
One of the biggest benefits I get from music is focus. It helps me settle into the ride and maintain a rhythm, especially during longer cycling sessions. Instead of feeling distracted, I feel more locked in. The road, the motion, and the sound all come together in a way that makes cycling feel smoother and more enjoyable. It is almost like music gives structure to the journey.
Of course, the kind of music I play depends on the kind of cycling experience I want.
If I want a slow and relaxing ride, I go for songs with a gentle and easygoing vibe. One of my favorite songs for this kind of mood is Cruisin’ by Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow. There is something about its melody and rhythm that fits perfectly with a peaceful cycling session. It has that laid-back feel that makes me want to take my time and enjoy the scenery instead of rushing to my destination. I also like the overall vibe of the song. Even though I am definitely not a singer, this is one of those songs that makes me want to sing along anyway. It is the kind of track that never seems to leave my playlist, and honestly, I do not think it ever will.
But there are also days when I want a completely different kind of energy.
Sometimes I feel like pushing harder, cycling faster, and seeing how much speed I can squeeze out of the ride. On those days, I switch to a playlist where hip-hop takes center stage. I do not really have just one favorite song in that category, but I do have a group of artists I keep coming back to. Post Malone, 50 Cent, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, and bbno$ are some of the artists I listen to the most when I want that extra boost.
Their music brings a different kind of excitement to the ride. The beat feels stronger, the energy feels sharper, and suddenly I find myself wanting to pedal harder and stay on the high gear longer. That is usually the point where cycling starts to feel more intense, but also more rewarding. It becomes less about a leisurely ride and more about momentum, effort, and adrenaline. And yes, probably more calories burned too, which is always a nice bonus.
That is what I like most about combining music and cycling. It gives every ride its own personality. A calm playlist can turn an ordinary route into a relaxing escape, while an energetic one can make the same road feel like a challenge I am excited to take on.
So yes, cycling has become part of my lifestyle, but music has become part of cycling too. The two now go together in a way that makes every ride more memorable.
